Delhi Eye: Essential Visitor's Guide

Everything You Need to Know About the India's Giant Ferris Wheel

Note: The Delhi Eye is closed. It was dismantled in early 2017, due to licensing and location issues, and a water park constructed in its place.

You may have heard of the London Eye and the Singapore Flyer. Now, Delhi has its own giant Ferris wheel called the Delhi Eye. It finally opened to the public in October 2014, after a lengthy delay.

Controversial History

The Delhi Eye was built by Vekoma Rides, a Dutch company that has installed 20 such wheels of varying heights around the world. Apparently, it only took three weeks to complete. However, despite being ready since 2010, it was forced to remain closed. The reason? It was deemed illegal by a committee, formed by the Delhi High Court in 2005, to protect land near the Yamuna River from encroachment and commercial development. Nevertheless, the wheel's owner was eventually able to obtain the clearances and permits necessary for it to start operating.

Location and What You Can See

Unlike the London Eye and Singapore Flyer, which have inner city locations, the Delhi Eye is situated on the outskirts of south Delhi near the Noida border. It sits next to the Yamuna River, and is part of the 3.6 acre Delhi Rides amusement park at Kalindi Kunj Park in Okhla. While the Delhi Eye is the amusement park's main feature, there's also a substantial water park, family rides, 6D cinema, and dedicated kid's zone.

On a clear day while riding on the Delhi Eye, it's possible to spot some of Delhi's top attractions, including Qutub Minar, Red Fort, Akshardham Temple, Lotus Temple, and Humayun’s Tomb. You can also get a bird’s eye view of Connaught Place and Noida.

However, when the sky is hazy from pollution, the most you'll get is a view of the Yamuna River, some unremarkable buildings, and construction works -- making it more of a joy ride than anything else.

Dimensions and Features

The Delhi Eye's wheel stands 45 meters (148 feet) tall. This is about as high as a 15 story building. Although it's the biggest Ferris wheel in India, it's much smaller than the London Eye (135 meters tall) and Singapore Flyer (165 meters tall).

The total capacity of the Delhi Eye is 288 passengers. It has 36 air-conditioned glass pods that can seat up to eight people in each. The pods have controls that enable passengers to select lighting and music, and vents in case anyone starts feeling claustrophobic. There's also a VIP pod, with plush couches, a television and a DVD player, phone connected to the control room, and champagne cooler.

LED lights illuminate the pods at night.

The wheel rotates at a speed of 3 kilometers per hour, which is around 4 meters per second. Rides last for 20 minutes, and the wheel completes three laps in that time.

Ticket Prices

The inaugural cost of tickets is 250 rupees per person. Senior citizens pay 150 rupees. A place in the VIP pod costs 1,500 rupees per person.

More Information

Delhi Rides is open daily from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. Phone: +(91)-11-64659291.

The nearest Metro train station is Jasola on the Violet Line. Depending on traffic, travel time by road from Connaught Place is 30 minutes to one hour.